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Starting from London this tour will familiarise you with the majority of the famous English sites from prehistory to the modern day. Our main focus is to visit the World Heritage Sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and Ironbridge. You will see a good cross-section of English history, heritage and culture always keeping in mind the classic image of the countryside.

Itinerary

Day 1: London - Helicopter - Lunch - St Paul's

A spectacular start by HELICOPTER to London to see the city from the air. Taking an east – west route you will see all the famous sites of this great city from the Tower to Westminster and Royal London. Alighting at one of the city’s heliports, LUNCH will be at Vertigo in Tower 42 – the City of London’s tallest building with spectacular views of the area. Passing through the small streets, stopping at the important CITY sites before we arrive at ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral became a symbol of defiance in WWII. DINNER will be at a famous restuarant.

Day 2: Eye - Tower - Harrods - Theatre

Today, we start with a private capsule on the LONDON EYE. The wheel glides smoothly over the WESTMINSTER. Next, along the River Thames to the TOWER OF LONDON. William the Conquer began building the White Tower as a symbol of his power. Over the centuries, buildings have been added to form today’s large complex. You will see the Crown Jewels and meet the Beefeaters. Nearby, is the iconic TOWER BRIDGE. Then a visit to some of London's great shops like HARRODS, before an evening THEATRE performance of your choice. London has incomparable theatre and you will get the best seats.

Day 3: Cambridge - Punt - Burghley

The beautiful university city of CAMBRIDGE is our first stop today. Set in a series of parks and fields, a short introductory walking tour will introduce you to the University before seeing the exquiste KINGS COLLEGE CHAPEL. The best view of the colleges is from the river and a PRIVATE PUNT will serenely glide you through the city. About an hour north is BURGHLEY HOUSE. Described more as a town than a house, Burghley is the most opulent of Elizabethan palaces. Built by William Cecil, the interior displays a parade of collections of art from the C16-19th

Day 4: York City - Castle Howard - Rievaulx

YORK is an ancient city transformed by the Vikings in the C9th. YORK MINSTER is one of the most inspiring buildings in the World and the city is a great place to wander the medieval streets. CASTLE HOWARD is a C18th baroque masterpiece by the legendary architect Vanbrugh. Made famous in the TV production of Brideshead Revisited it houses one of the country’s premier art collections including paintings by Canaletto. RIEVAULX ABBEY was once the largest church in England until dissolved by Henry VIII. An exhibition creates an accurate impression of what life would have been like.

Day 5: Durham - Alnwick - Lindisfarne

DURHAM is dominated by the stunning CATHEDRAL and CASTLE, both relics of the Norman Conquest. The castles of the coast are visible for miles around and they provide a vivid impression of the past. ALNWICK CASTLE, seat of the influential Percy family. The castle has a magnificent garden and extensive state apartments, remodelled by Robert Adam in the C19th. Finally, to one of Christendom most important sites at LINDISFARNE ISLAND. Founded in AD635 as a small wooden church, this small island became the focal point for the early expansion of the Christian faith in England.

Day 6: Hadrian's Wall - Lake District

Towards Scotland, HADRIAN'S WALL, lies on a volcanic escarpment and dominates the scenery. The Romans built the wall, probably to collect taxes. Some of the best preserved roman artefacts have been discovered here. HOUSESTEADS is the most complete Roman fort in Europe with great views of the Wall. The LAKE DISTRICT is an area of glacial erosion that created an awe inspiring set of lakes, interspersed with tumbling rivers and rugged mountains. We take a steam boat trip along the areas best lake, ULLSWATER. Finally, the lovely market town of GRASMERE, home of poet; Wordsworth.

Day 7: Ironbridge - Castles - Dinner

Heading south to the border with Wales, our first stop today is IRONBRIDGE, the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Numerous museums, foundries and crafts shop explaining the history of the area and why it was so important. Site include the famous bridge. STOKESAY CASTLE is the best preserved C13th fortified manor house in England. Set in glorious countryside, much of the house has remained almost untouched since it was built. LUDLOW is the perfect English market town with an outstanding reputation for quality food and shops. DINNER tonight will be at one of the Michelin starred restuarants.

Day 8: Stratford - Cotswolds - Hidcote

Anne Hathaway was Shakespeare’s wife and today, we start with her COTTAGE, the perfect English thatched cottage. For the rest of the day, we travel through THE COTSWOLDS. This most quintessentially English of regions has beautiful villages presenting an exquisite view of England. Possible stops include THE SLAUGHTERS and STOW-ON-THE-WOLD. The best garden in England is generally regarded as HIDCOTE MANOR. This is a spectacular arts and crafts garden created as a number of outdoor rooms each with their own plants and features. Overnight stay will be in a COTSWOLD MANOR.

Day 9: Bath - Roman Baths - Balloon Flight

We will discover the World Heritage City of BATH with a walking tour. You will see the three phases of Georgian architecture that make this city so unique including Queens Square, the Circus and Royal Crescent. At the heart of the city are the ROMAN BATHS, Britain’s only hot springs at a temperature of 46 C. Close by is the ABBEY, the last gothic church to be built in England. You then have free time to visit some of the other attractions like the JANE AUSTEN CENTRE or shops. This evening, you will have a BALLOON FLIGHT over Bath to see this stunning city from the air.

Day 10: Stonehenge - Boat - Windsor - Tea

STONEHENGE is an awe inspiring stone circle and one of the wonders of the world. An early start today will allow private access so you can touch the stones and bring the history to life. A PRIVATE BOAT on the River Thames will meander through the glades finally stopping at town of Windsor and the CASTLE. This is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the Queens weekend home. Arguably, one of the most opulent houses in England, within the grounds are St Georges Chapel and the Queens’ Staterooms. We will then head back to a stately home and stop for their renowned AFTERNOON TEA.